8 Things to Know About IBS

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Chris Illiades, MD on September 1, 2020
  • confident-young-woman
    IBS is a syndrome.
    The first thing you should know about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is that it's a syndrome, not a disease. That means it's a combination of symptoms that occur together. IBS is also not the same thing as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are diseases that cause damage to your digestive system. IBS can be uncomfortable, but it does not cause tissue damage. See what else you should know about IBS.
  • Large Group of Happy People smiling and embracing.
    1. IBS is a common problem.
    If you have IBS, you're not alone. Most health experts think it affects from 10 to 15% of the population. About twice as many women have it than men and most people with IBS are 45 or younger. As many as half of people with IBS, however, may not know they have it because a doctor hasn't given them an official diagnosis. That's because IBS can be hard to pin down.
  • female nurse holding anatomical model of human colon with pathology
    2. IBS symptoms come from your colon.
    In IBS, your colon—or large intestine—isn't working properly. Symptoms can include pain, bloating, cramping, and constipation, diarrhea or both. You may have a strong urge to move your bowels, but no strong sense of relief afterwards. To be IBS, you need to have symptoms at least three times a month for three months in a row. And symptoms should not be due to any other disease. Other names for IBS are spastic colon, spastic bowel, and functional bowel syndrome.
  • woman stressed at her desk
    3. Experts don’t know what causes IBS.
    Medical experts have lots of theories about what causes IBS. The true cause, however, is a mystery. People with IBS might just have a more sensitive colon than other people. Some people think sensitivity to certain foods triggers their symptoms. Other theories include crossed nerve signals between the brain and the colon or too much bacteria in the colon. Or changes in hormones or other body chemicals may play a role. Depression, stress and anxiety are also known to contribute to IBS symptoms. Bottom line: it's not in your head, it's in your colon!
  • Doctor and patient discussing medical record in the hospital
    4. You need to rule out other digestive problems.
    Your doctor may suspect IBS from your symptoms, but will need to rule out other causes before making a diagnosis. To do this, the doctor probably will also do a physical exam and order some tests, such as blood tests and stool samples. Your doctor may order an X-ray or pass a flexible scope into your colon to look for changes or damage. If your symptoms include bleeding, fever, or weight loss, it's likely that you have something other than IBS.
  • Closeup on young woman eating healthy breakfast
    5. Changing your diet might help.
    If you have IBS, try to change what and how you eat. Instead of eating three big meals a day, have smaller meals more times each day. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, and eat gas-producing foods like beans, cabbage and cauliflower. It could help to keep a food diary to help identify foods that make your symptoms worse. Caffeine, alcohol, and the artificial sweetener, sorbitol, are common triggers for people with IBS.
  • woman-sitting-cross-legged
    6. Reducing stress is important.
    Stress seems to be a common IBS trigger. It's also one that can make symptoms worse. Changes in routine and travel may increase the stress of dealing with IBS. Exercise is a good stress reducer, as are relaxation techniques like meditation. If stress triggers your symptoms, ask your doctor about working with a behavioral health professional. Talk therapy for stress reduction often works very well.
  • Woman with pills
    7. Medication and fiber are other treatment options.
    Eating foods high in fiber, or taking a fiber supplement, can help relieve both constipation and diarrhea. High-fiber food choices include fresh or dried fruits, fresh or tender-crisp cooked vegetables, and whole-grain breads and pastas. However, add fiber gradually to avoid gas and bloating. If this doesn't help, your doctor may suggest a prescription medication to provide relief.
  • portrait-of-man-smiling-outside
    8. IBS gets better.
    There is no cure for IBS, but most people get better with time. It may take months, however, to find the right mix of lifestyle changes, diet changes, stress reduction, and medication. You may find that your colon is always a bit sensitive. Or, some symptoms may return when you're stressed. But most people can greatly reduce or eliminate IBS symptoms. And IBS does not lead to more serious digestive problems. It tends to get better, not worse.
8 Things to Know About IBS
  1. What is IBS? International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs.html
  2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/condition/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
  3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/irritable-bowel-syndrome
  4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Was this helpful?
345
Last Review Date: 2020 Sep 1
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.